Buying Hawaii hunting licenses is a requirement for all hunters planning to go on hunting trips to take wildlife from public wildernesses on any of the Hawaiian Islands. Hunters caught catching and taking wildlife without the appropriate hunting permit will be charged with poaching and subject to the associated fines and penalties. All hunting permits are issued to both residents and non residents visiting the state by the Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife. License classes and the associated fees are divided into categories based on the applicant’s demographics, including his or her age and residency status, the length of the hunting license’s validity and the type of animal the applicant plans on catching. However, the hunting license application process cannot begin until applicants have met all requirements set by the state wildlife department, such as submitting the required documentation (i.e. proof of residency, proof of identity, etc.) and taking the required hunting education course. Hunting education courses cover a range of topics, including wildlife conservation, hunting ethics and tips, firearm safety and survival tips for camping out in the wilderness. Once the course is completed, hunters can proceed with the hunting license application process. Hunters can buy hunting licenses using two methods: online and in person. Regardless of how the hunting license application is submitted, hunters must pay the associated hunting license fees to receive their license. Read the sections below for more information on how to get a hunting license in Hawaii:

What types of hunting licenses are available in Hawaii?

The wildlife department offers two types of hunting licenses in Hawaii: residential hunting licenses and non-residential hunting licenses. Hawaii licenses to hunt are classified based on various factors, such as the applicant’s age and residency status, the length of the license’s validity and whether or not the applicant plans to hunt birds or mammals. Hunters should make sure to know which license to hunt they need prior to completing the hunting license application process.

Aside from residential hunting licenses and non resident hunting licenses, options for licenses to hunt in Hawaii also include senior hunting licenses for residents 65 years of age and older. Additionally, Hawaii offers resident and non resident game bird hunting stamps. Residents of Kalaupapa and Molokai who have Hansen’s disease are also eligible for Kalaupapa patient hunting licenses as well.

All HI hunting license purchase fees include the price of the required Wildlife Conservation Stamp.

How do I purchase hunting licenses in Hawaii?

Hunters have a couple of options when it comes to buying hunting licenses in Hawaii. To submit an hunting license application, applicants should complete the process either online or in person.Â However, before submitting an application, hunters should make sure they know exactly which hunting license they need. The primary factors that affect eligibility for each license to hunt are the applicant’s residency status and age. Additionally, hunters should make sure they have met the wildlife department’s hunting license education requirements before applying as well.

One option for buying hunting licenses in Hawaii is online through the Online Hunting License application. On the application, hunters must provide some personal information, such as their name, date of birth, Social Security Number and hunter education certificate number. To buy hunting licenses in person, applicants can visit any one of the numerous official Hawaii hunting license vendors located throughout the state. Applicants can also buy a license to hunt in person by visiting any one of the main wildlife department offices in Honolulu, Kauai, Maui, Lanai or Big Island. To receive resident pricing when buying hunting licenses, applicants must be registered to vote in Hawaii, and they must have lived in the state for at least one year. Active-duty military members are also given resident pricing for hunting permits.

Am I required to take any hunting classes to be eligible for a Hawaii hunting license purchase?

Yes, Hawaii wildlife officials require hunting license applicants to complete a hunter education course approved by the state prior to completing a hunting license application for the first time. To register for a hunter education course, applicants should register through the state’s Hunter Education Program for one of the free hunter education courses. Non-residents who would like to purchase a hunting license in the state can provide a valid hunter education certificate from their state.

When registering for a Hawaii hunter education course, applicants must complete a registration application and provide some personal information, such as their full name, date of birth, phone number, mailing address and gender. Additionally, applicants must provide a valid picture ID on the first day of class to verify their identity.

Hunter education courses cover a wide variety of topics, such as proper firearm use and safety, wildlife conservation and identification, hunting laws in Hawaii and hunting ethics.

How can I renew a Hawaii hunting license?

Currently, Hawaii wildlife officials do not offer options for hunting license renewals. Hunting licenses in Hawaii are valid during the fiscal year, which typically starts on July 1 and ends on June 30 each year. Once purchased, all hunting license sales are final, and there are no refunds. Therefore, hunters should make sure to purchase the right hunting license for the type of hunting they plan on conducting in state public wildernesses.

Once the license to hunt has expired, hunters will need to apply for a new hunting license online using the same online hunting license application as first-time applicants. Alternatively, hunters can visit an approved vendor to purchase a hunting license in person. Exemptions from hunting license renewal rules include senior citizens and Kalaupapa patients, who do not have to pay a fee to maintain hunting licenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. All throughout the United States, hunters safety classes must be completed in order for applicants to obtain their desired hunting permits and stamps. Failure to take this specific course will result in the rejection of your hunting license request, thus requiring you to start over.

Depending on your state of residence, you may be able to buy hunting licenses in a variety of ways, including online (through your state department’s portal), by mail, by phone or in person. Choose the option that is most convenient for you. Make sure to also have any type of official documentation and payment for fees on hand.

No. Different states have different limits and regulations on hunting licensure. Certain animals may be considered “prohibited species,” whereas other animals may be legal to hunt, so long as you have the necessary hunting permit/stamp. Keep in mind that if you do hunt for any type of prohibited species, you will be subject to serious consequences.

Yes. States typically offer various short-term hunters license options, such as one-day and one-week passes, to those who do not meet residency requirements. In order to receive issuance of a short-term hunting license, make sure to get in touch with your state/hunting wildlife department to find out the available methods you have to apply.

In the event your hunting credentials are lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, contact your state hunting/wildlife department to order a hunting license replacement. You may have to make an in-person visit to a local office to complete the process. At the time of your replacement request, you may be asked to present your state driving license or another type of identification.